Letters to the Editor
March-June 2002
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Dear Readers:
We welcome your contributions. Send us your questions, thoughts, ideas, comments, or articles. We will publish them without censorship (except for impolite words, they will be removed), according to our policy summarized in the Mission section. This means that they have to be void of slander, attacks, or ethnic slurs. Our objective is allowing a civilized dialogue between Arab and Muslim readers on one side, and readers from other cultures who are interested in cross-cultural understanding. We apologize for not publishing letters that do not achieve this noble objective. We also welcome any other suggestions, not intended for publication.
WARNING: Messages that contain threats may be used to press legal charges against their senders.
The editor, Dr. Hassan A. El-Najjar, appreciates it if readers use their names instead of using numbers or symbols. This enhances the credibility of the opinions and issues discussed.
Write to us on our email address: editor@aljazeerah.info
Or you can send materials by mail to our address: Editor, Al-Jazeerah Information Center, P.O. Box 724, Dalton, GA 30720, USA.
From: John Queue (6/27/02)
Subjects: What should Palestine do to bring peace to this land?
America's conflict with the Arab and Muslim worlds
Zionism, the highest stage of imperialism
1. Everyday, the news concerning the problems in Israel and Palestine rely nearly completely on the accusations of one side against another side.
In this situation the immediately affected parties deny their own responsibilities in creating peace, and whereas this news source focuses on the perspective of Palestine, the question continues to beg for an answer: What actions should Palestine be responsible for doing in order to foster peace?
The region's dizzying, gut-wrenching, spin-cycle of needless violence needs an answer to this question.
2. (The Editor asserted previously that:) "there was no bad blood [between Arab/Muslim nations and the U.S.] before that [the 1991 war]..."
Actually, in 1979, Iranian militants--with the approval of the Iranian government--took many Americans hostage and held them in captivity for 444 days. These Iranian militants invaded the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in violation of the internationally agreed inviolability of foreign diplomatic missions within a host country.
3. To assert that American society is somehow co-opted under some 'Zionist imperialism' is seldom, if ever, explicitly defined [i.e., exactly who are these 'Zionist imperialists,' exactly what are their names, and exactly what are their positions in society.
The Editor's reply: The main job here is education. I implore readers to discuss issues without personal attacks on the Editor or anybody else. It's a long letter John, that included at least three parts. I deleted the fourth about CNN for irrelevance.
1. I told you previously in my answer to your question that it is a valid question. Until I write an editorial addressing it, I invite readers to address it. Why don't you start John? What do you think Palestinians should do while under the continuous Israeli military occupation?
2. The Iranian hostage situation you described resulted in no bloodshed. The crisis ended without loss of human life on both sides. It is the 1991 Gulf War that started the bloodshed. This is history, scratch your head again. I do not accuse you of anything bad. I have not used any negative adjective to describe you for your inability to come up with a fact that supports your argument. Try to do the same. Express your views with civility and humility. Who knows? This may be helpful to the cause of peace.
3. My article, "Zionism: the highest stage of imperialism," is an academic work, that depends on documentation. Read it again, then read Dr. Stevenson's critique of it. The exchange is scientific, it uses facts, and there are no personal attacks or accusations. Until you read, and as a quick answer, Zionism is represented by Israel, whose major political parties declare that they are Zionist. Israel's influence on the US government can be debated, but the evidence is overwhelming in that it is there, and is used to advance the interests of Israel (not the US) in the Middle East.
From: Jim (6/25/02)
Subject: Why does aljazeerah.info focus on Israel, not on al qaeda?
Editor: Read our Mission statement, we do not condone any violence against anybody, particularly against civilians. The focus on Israel does not mean support for any other source of violence. The Palestinian problem has contributed to the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis for a long time. It has also contributed to the conflict between America and the Arab and the Muslim worlds. The resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will address the major cause of the conflict and instability in the world. This is our focus right now and hopefully it will not be long before the world enjoys peace again. Peace to your soul and I wish you a long and prosperous life.
From: John Queue (6/24/02)
Subject: What should Palestine do to bring peace to this land?
Concerning Palestine and Israel focus on the problems of the relationship between the two peoples (and these problems are indeed severe), the news often relies on explanations of what Israel or Europe should do do to solve these problems. America has been denounced for inaction when it has failed to act, and it is denounced for failing to solve these peoples' problems when it does act.
One thing that appears to be imperceptible is an explanation of what Palestine should do to bring peace to this land. The question is, Editor, what should Palestine do to solve this problem?
A response in the editorial section of the online newspaper will be appreciated.
Editor: OK John. This is a valid question.
From: 1144 (6/22/02)
Subject: Sephardi Jews sue the Arab League
Editor: We do not publish articles sent by readers that were published elsewhere. My reaction to the article is that these are two different issues. The right of Palestinian refugees in repatriation and compensation (according to UN resolutions) from Israel should not be confused with the rights of Jews who immigrated to Israel from some Arab states. Palestinian refugees are still living in refugee camps. They have not been given the property of Arab Jews who left for Israel. Palestinians want to live in their homeland, not elsewhere. They do not want to have the property of anybody else, just their own property, which the Israelis have been using illegally since 1948.
From: Wes Berry (6/23/02)
Subject: Your problem with Muslims is unjustified
Editor: Your letter shows that you know nothing about Muslims or Islam. I suggest that you read the Holy Qur'an. It's available in English. You will know that Muslims believe in all the messengers of God: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jesus Christ, and Muhammed. They believe in the basic teachings that Jews and Christians believe in. Moreover, they believe that Jesus is the Messiah and they are waiting for his second coming, like you do if you are a Christian.
The conflict between America and some Arabs and Muslims started with the 1991 Gulf War, which resulted in killing thousands of Iraqis during the war, and millions of them as a result of the embargo that is still imposed on that country. There was no bad blood between the US and any Muslim or Arab country before that. You need to read and think, then read and think. You need to do a lot of this process. This will make you more peaceful and hopefully will make the world safer. Peace to your soul, Wes.
From: Bruce Johnson (6/23/02)
Subject: It's never too late.
You are right Mr. editor that it is never too late, provided you mean to do the just thing. However I merely intended to say that our realisation was too late to save the various people's suffering.
Editor: Don't mix the US conflict with al qaeda with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The Palestinian problem was created by the creation of Israel (1948), the dispossession of the Palestinian people, and changing them into refugees without a citizenship. The US conflict with al qaeda is a consequence of the 1991 Gulf War, which resulted in the US military presence in Arabia, which many Arabs resent. Two completely different issues that should not be mixed.
From: Bruce Johnson (6/19/02)
Subject: Guilt and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Editor: It is never too late. The Israeli aggression and oppression against the Palestinian people should not be covered up. It should not be justified. The Israelis should be stopped. One way is for their supporters to stop supporting them. A step toward that is thinking about what is happening to the Palestinians. It is happening right now. Therefore, it is not too late to speak and do something to stop the Israeli atrocities.
Subject: Editorial Bias
Editor: Concerning what you call editorial bias, we have not claimed to give the Israeli viewpoint. People know that from the established media in the West generally, and in the US in particular. Our main goal is telling the other side of the story, the Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic side. So, assuming that people know the Israeli viewpoint, what we do is most needed, particularly there are few venues that do this job.
Concerning Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation, all Palestinian organizations, secular and religious, have announced that they would stop that when Israel ends its military occupation and withdraws its forces from the Palestinian territories. A historical precedence is the Israeli withdrawal from Sinai. There has been peace between Egypt and Israel ever since. The fact is that Israelis are dragging their feet. They do not want to withdraw. Actually, they are building new settlements and expanding existing settlements everyday. The ruling Likude Party have adopted a policy that opposes the establishment of the Palestinian state. This must be criticized, uncovered, and condemned as the original factor that has led to the vicious cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Concerning criticizing Palestinians when Israeli civilians are targeted, the vast majority of Arab media do that just like criticizing Israelis for targeting Palestinian civilians. We systematically publish the Palestinian Authority statements for that effect. Read that in the "News about Palestine" section. But there is no way that you can even compare the destruction and the bloodshed inflicted by Palestinians with that inflicted by Israelis. There have many more Palestinians killed and injured than Israelis. Look at the occupation data section. In addition, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been detained or imprisoned, where they have been tortured by their Israeli oppressors. So, any honest media account will report more Israeli human rights violations and atrocities because this is the truth. Western governments and peoples have a moral responsibility to stop the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people (because of their material support to Israel). Related to that is stopping to justify or cover up for Israelis.
Finally, what did you mean by asking about the ethnic origin of the Prophet and Muslims? Peace to you Bruce.
From: Larry Tvorak (June 18, 2002)
Subject: Broken link
Subject: Rabia Ahmad's analysis
It is true that one cannot use historical claims to residency as a ground for reestablishing a population in a particular area. However history has been a system of movements of peoples. Peoples move and then they inter-marry. It would be impossible to send everyone home.
Concerning the Western support of Israel out of guilt, what about the Palestinian people? Why should they pay for what Europeans did? Don't Jews and Christians who support Israel feel the same guilt toward Palestinians?
From: Rabia Ahmad (June 15, 2002).
Subject: Zionist historical claims
I am a Pakistani youth. You said you welcomed comments, so this is what I have to say:
"The harm done by dumping down an alien population upon an Arab country Arabs all around in the hinterland-may never be remedied…what we have done is, by concessions, not to the Jewish people but to a Zionist extreme section, to start a running sore in the East, and no one can tell how far that sore will extend." (The Origins & Evolution of the Palestine Problem 1917-1988 Page:29)
The English were a just nation then, and even today many great analysts are still expressing their views with integrity. But the plans run deep, and most have been entangled in the Zionist propaganda.
Today America is accusable even though back then it was fair. Thus the policy that was put forward by President Wilson also stated that the people of the nation about whom a resolution was being passed have the first and foremost right to be included in the decision making process…that America would always abide by this rule and would not make any differences within.
A "King Crane" commission was sent in 1919. This King Crane commission presented a very clear and impartial report which ascertained that without immense power and blood shed Israel could not be thrust upon that land …and why should it be? Because two thousand years ago Jews lived there? If this argument is thought to be correct then justice would vanish all together from this world. This hypothesis is so defective that it should not be even brought to debate.
But that was then, this is now…American power has been corrupted. Nothing of justice, wisdom, morality has been left intact. Just imagine if South America suddenly starts demanding that since the Red Indians lived in America before the Europeans came…just 500 years ago (not 2000!) it should be handed back to them! The idea seems unacceptable. Then why is it that a formulae that the Americans don’t think applies to themselves should be forced down someone else’s throat? Why is it that the Jews should again be established in Palestine due to some "historical Connection" ?
These are questions the Israelis should ask themselves-realize that even if they didn’t come in peace they should at least try to live in peace!
From: Bruce Johnson (6/10/02)
Subject: The West no longer mindlessly supports Israel
f the Palestinian bombings ceased and Israel did not move towards giving Palestinian autonomy, the west would gradually (maybe rapidly) shift its support to a Palestinian free state. If Israel continued to act belligerently towards Palestinians the west's pressure would be against them. In the west we are conscious that the West is viewed as the equivalent of Judao-Christian by Islamic extremists even though the West is largely secular. There is a lot of reason why Western governments would choose to support Islam rather than Israel. In the past secular Jews have been the financial power but an angry Islam would be a difficult thing for the West to live with.
Editor: With good faith and good neighborly attitudes, final-status issues could be discussed and solutions can be found. However, we are not there yet. There has to be peace first in order for negotiations to be resumed. Israel has to withdraw from the agreed upon Palestinian territories. Readers, though, are invited for more discussions about this and other related issues.
From: Isaparix (June 10, 2002)
Subject: India-Pakistan nuclear war potential
Dear sir, You are influential and credible. Have you considered a broadcast to these two nations of 'nuclear war' films, before they get carried away on a tide of nuclear posturing? I'd suggest http://www.ibp-intl.demon.co.uk/nuke/dayafter.html, or the Britsh film 'Threads'
From: Andy Bishop (June 10, 2002).
Subject: Why he supports Israel
While I support your freedom of speech, your empathy for the Palestinians is ... (an impolite word). Do you really wonder why (some) Americans support Israel? The Middle East is a haven for terrorism and uncivilized people who have no regard for human life. A Palestinian state? Do you think we give a damn about the Palestinians having a Palestinian State? No, it is all politics to appease the Arab leaders. I am just one of many Americans who will continue to pay my taxes to help support Israel, and I am looking forward to my upcoming military tour in the Middle East- I just hope I have the chance to put a bullet through the head of one of the many ... (impolite word) Islamic militants or supporters when I am there. Until then....
Editor: Peace to you, Andy
Andy, calm down and think. You are threatening educated people all over the world. The militants you describe do not read this. This is a place where people of different cultures try to understand each other. Thanks for your support for freedom of speech, but this contradicts with the language of putting bullets through the heads of people. The US government support for Israel preceded September 11, 2001 attacks and the Palestinian suicide bombing in Israel during the last few months. It has intensified since 1967, when America was not known for most people in the Middle East. I invite you to think and read and you will know the truth. And by the way Andy, the human civilization started at the banks of the Nile and the Euphrates. The three great religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all started in the Middle East. Peace to your soul.
To: Larry Miller and his friend Kevin Rooney
Subject: Israel's problem
From: The Editor (6/9/02)
Salam, Shalom, Peace
If you want your letter to be published next time, you need just to get to the point without using derogatory language when you refer to people from other cultures (Your 6/5/02 letter). Ask the question directly or state your documented argument, so readers can benefit and have a fruitful discussion.
Both Israel and its only benefactor in the world, the US government, have now recognized the right of the Palestinian people to have their own state. It does not help you to deny that right. Palestinians exist and they are seven and a half million people. The Palestinian state is going to be announced sooner than you think, whether you like it or not. Israelis and Palestinians have to learn to adjust to the existence of each other, as equal states and peoples.
You need to learn a lot about the documented history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. As a start, I suggest that you read Dr. El-Najjar's articles. You also need to read Dr. Stevenson's article, "On Israeli Jewish Dissident Views ," which contains excerpts from the writings of Jewish thinkers who oppose the Israeli oppression of the Palestinian people, and who describe Israeli practices as those practiced by the Nazis against European Jews, during World War II.
Your attack on all Arabs and all Muslims should be a warning for you, before anybody else, that you are on the wrong side of history. Muslims are 1.3 billion people, extending from Indonesia in Asia to Nigeria in Africa. Moreover, there are tens of millions of them in Europe and north America. They have contributed to the present world civilization, just like their ancestors did for thousands of years. Israel's problem is not really with all Muslims or all Arabs (who are by the way about 300 million people), as you described. Rather, Israel's problem lies in its Zionist ideology that denies the rights of the Palestinian people and promotes expansion on the expense of its Arab neighbors. The whole world has recognized these facts and it is time for you to do so. You will be better off if you are on the side of peace, not the side of war and its constituents.
From: Bruce Johnson (June 7,2002)
Subject: Blessed are the peace makers for they shall see God.
Editor: Yes, it has to stop. It's a vicious cycle. The first step is the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories. Let Palestinians govern themselves, like the rest of people all over the world. Then, the two states will learn how to adjust to the existence of each other. We have to address the roots of problems, not just react to them. In this case, it is the Israeli occupation. Blessed are the peace makers for they shall see God.
From: Carmen LaSalle, USA (May 31, 2002)
Subject: Palestinian Stock Report
I'm a DJ for San Francisco Liberation Radio, a low power FM station in San Francisco, CA. Our station has only a 100 watt transmitter, but, because of our location, we can reach at least 200,000 people (if they were all tuned onto our frequency). I've been reading your news from your website on my weekly program. I couldn't help noticing that the stock report from Palestine contained information from trading of 5 companies last week (May 23) and 4 companies this week (May 30). Why is this? Also, what are the names of these companies and what do they sell? I'm very grateful that you translate some of your news into English, as I can't read Arabic. I enjoy the commentary that you sometimes include, as it provides an opinion which can't be duplicated anywhere in the USA.
Editor: I don't know the names right now. However, one of them is the telephone company. The others could be utilities and pharmaceutical companies. We may include that information in the future. The Israeli continuous war on the Palestinian people destroyed their infrastructure and their economy. The only remaining working companies are these reported.
From: Muhamud Abdalla, Somalia (5/30/02)
Subject: Somalia abandoned by her Brethren in the Arab League, OAU and Organization of Islamic Conference:
Ethiopian troops crossed into Somalia and burnt the town of Bulo Hawo to the ground and 10,000 Somalis fled into Kenya. Heavy artillery supplied by Ethiopia rocks Mogadishu. A warlord, dropout from both college and the US military and currently hosted by Ethiopia, claims Somalia is not an Arab country while another warlord, Muse Sudi who is illiterate, says he is fighting against a Libyan, Saudi and Kuwaiti funded terrorist group i.e. the Transitional National Government (TNG) of Somalia. Ethiopia recently threatened Somalia saying "If the TNG fails to play by our rules we will enforce a solution". Somalia is slowly slipping into Ethiopian occupation and chaos. What have the Arab League, OAU and OIC done to save Somalia? "…. Canst thou see a single one of them, or hear from them the slightest sound ?" 19:98, Quran.
Why is the Arab media silent on the suffering of Somalis? Where is Aljazeerah’s investigative reporting? Or will they be interested in reporting on Somalia only after the western media ie CNN and BBC take an interest?
The Arab League approved almost $400 million for reconstruction of the Somali institutions nearly 2 years ago and only $18 million was provided (Saudi Arabia $15m and $3m Qatar). The question many Somalis would like to ask the Arab League is: If, for whatever reason, you have failed to provide forces to help defend Somalia why are you at least not speaking out and condemning Ethiopia’s destabilization of Somalia and her client warlords’ massacre of their Somalis? It is only Norway, a non-Islamic, non-Arab and non-African country that has pushed through the UN security council the formation of a committee to put a stop to Ethiopia’s arming of the warlords.
On the other hand the United States which gives its largest assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa to Ethiopia ($143 million each year) has its special forces, UN staff (who are also US citizens e.g. Wayne Long – UN Security staff in Nairobi) coordinating with Ethiopian forces the funding and arming of Somali warlords, and the innocent Somali population is paying the price.
Editor: Somalia is not abandoned or forgotten. It is just that the world is passing through dangerous times. Most Arab states are destabilized. There are civil wars in Algeria and Sudan. Iraq and Libya are under embargo. Palestine is being invaded and tortured by Israel everyday. Syria and Lebanon are worried about Israeli intentions. Iran is under continuous attack by Western media and politicians for its support of resistance in Palestine and Lebanon. Pakistan is under Indian nuclear danger, and you know what happened to Afghanistan. How about Chechnya? May God help Somalis, Muslims, and people of the world to get out of this stage of the human history with the least possible losses. Finally, we thank you for your letter, which informed readers aljazeerah.info about what is going on in Somalia. But, we are not related to aljazeera tv. You can forward your request to them.
From: Ms Touda Maalimoum (France, 5/29/02)
Hello to all the team journalistique of Aljazeera, More than a television chain, Aljazeera is a true one university of Sciences Infuse. You are the very proof that the esteem deserved itself, and to this subject I would have a favor to request you. Effectively, origin berbère Moroccan, I meet sometimes certain difficulties to follow your reportages that nevertheless give rise to the biggest and liveliest interests. Also did I think to address you this message in order knowledge if it is not for you possible to foresee an under titrage in English or in French of your transmissions? I am persuaded that such a action would allow the children of immigrated, as this is my case, to follow the current event and the true one. While hoping a gesture on your part otherwise a response, accept all my recognition. Thank-you for your professionnalisme; And long life to Aljazeera! Ms Touda MAALIKOUM (France)
Editor: Thanks Touda. We know the importance of broadcasting Arab and Islamic news in different languages. We hope that we will be able to do it. Just keep reading aljazeerah.info and you will know about that.
Bonjour à toute l'équipe journalistique de Aljazeera, Plus qu'une chaîne de télévision, Aljazeera est une véritable Université de Sciences Infuses. Vous êtes la preuve même que l'estime se méritait, et à ce sujet j'aurais une faveur à vous demander. Effectivement, berbère d'origine marocaine, je rencontre parfois certaines difficultés à suivre vos reportages qui pourtant suscitent les plus grands et vifs intérêts. Aussi ai-je pensé à vous adresser ce message afin de savoir s'il ne vous serait pas possible de prévoir un sous-titrage en anglais ou en français de vos émissions? Je suis persuadée qu'une telle action permettrait aux enfants d'immigrés, comme c'est mon cas, de suivre l'actualité et la vraie. En espérant un geste de votre part sinon une réponse, acceptez toute ma reconnaissance. Merci pour votre professionnalisme ; Et longue vie à Aljazeera ! Mme Touda MAALIKOUM (France)
L'Editeur: Remercie Touda. Nous sait l'importance de diffusion Arabe et Islamique dans différent . Nous espérons que nous pourrons le faire. Seulement garder l'aljazeerah.info qui lisant et vous saurez de cela.
From: Carmen La Salle & Jim and Charlotte Hatch (May 22, 2002).
Subject: Aljazeerah on San Francisco Liberation Radio
I'm a DJ on San Francisco Liberation Radio, a low power community radio station in San Francisco. I begin my weekly program with a newscast from Al Jazeerah set to a background of middle eastern music. I believe you have a very important mission... to offer America a point-of-view on the war in the Middle East that differs from mainstream US media news. I receive telephone calls from listeners who are very interested in your views. Thank you for offering English translations of your stories and editorials on your website. This is essential for me, as I, unfortunately, don't read Arabic. Today I had a call from a former US Army Ranger. I had read your story on the air about a US military expert who believed that Israel will never win the war for Palestine, no matter how many troops it deploys. My caller thought this analogous to the US war on "terrorism", that the US will end up negotiating with "terrorists", finding the war impossible to win. Peace be to you and to all nations.
Editor: Thanks Carmen. Israel has been killing Palestinian and other Arab civilians for 54 years. Remember the Jenin massacre just last month. Yet, the biased mainstream media never dared to describe Israeli actions as terrorism. Israel has assembled the best conventional and unconventional weapons from the United States arsenal. All this didn't work, hasn't worked, will not work, simply because Israel is an occupying power, an oppressor. The Israelis are not fighting a corrupt government or a dictator. They are fighting their victims after dispossessing them. They will never win. No power can win a war against people. The United States can easily win the war on terrorism by winning the hearts and minds of Arabs and Muslims. First, giving the Palestinians their rights. Second, lifting the embargo imposed on Iraq. Third, ending the US military presence in Arabia. Arabs and Muslims should be considered trade partners, not enemies. Then, there will be no serious problems to fight about. By the way, you may check Radio Casablanca for a library of Arab music. Good Luck in your show. Salam (Peace).
From: Katherine Youngmeister (May 21, 2002)
Subject: Map of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories
I am unable to open the link to the 1996 map of Israeli settlements. Have also tried to open it through the UN website. Have you heard of this problem? I appreciate your English language coverage.
Editor: You're right. It seems that there is something wrong with the UN site itself. We'd appreciate it if readers can suggest another website which has a map of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
From: Bruce Johnson (May 21, 2002)
Subject: Terrorism as a means of achieving ends
Editor: You are right about the horrors of human violence not only during WWII but throughout history. I think that readers will commend you for describing the violence among Europeans as terrorism because the media in the West have made it as if it is limited to the Middle East. If you analyze what Israel has been doing, it is nothing but terrorism committed by the state instead of groups or individuals. One thing I do not share with you, and I hope the majority of readers will be with me in this: You seem like you have lost hope. We cannot afford to lose hope, in the nuclear age. The silent majority should speak out and stop politicians and extremists from pushing the world to the doomsday scenario. It starts by the Israeli withdrawal and giving Palestinians their rights, including their own state. Thanks, Bruce, and I hope that your letter has moved other readers like it did to me. We welcome their reaction. Peace.
From: Enn Oja, Estonia (May 15, 02)
Subject: A service for learners of Arabic
I am an Estonian and interested in Arabic. I have learned before Farsii and can read also Arabic text with diacritical signs. But for the learners would be much useful to have on Jazeerah pages also the different page with parallel text in Arabic and English (as the most used foreign language and used also in Jazeerah pages) or some pages with parallel text. The Arabic part of this parallel text should be sent by comments (/explanations), how and why this or another word or word-form is used. It would help learners to analyze Arabic language. This page should be changed e.g. twice in week.
Also ca 15-20 new words with meanings and synonyms from the frequency dictionary should be added separately.
This parallel text for analyzing would not be the same like common manual of Arabic.
The second problem for foreigners is the adequacy of representing Arabic place and personal names. English language is not the best for it. I think there should be time by time represented the most popular Arabic names in Arabic (with diacritical signs) and these pronunciation. E.g. الجَزِيرَةِ 'al-jazira(tu) (j as in John, i is long as in mean, stress on zi) or better. I know that Osama ben-Laden is written in reality Usaama bin-Laadin (as I write in Estonian) but there are different pronunciation by Arabic states (Jamal:Gamal etc). Also such remarks would be very useful.
Editor: Your suggestion concerning learners of Arabic and parallel texts in Arabic and English is a good idea. We may try to do that as a service to learners of Arabic.
From: Nancy Horn, USA (5/13/02)
Editor: Thanks Nancy for you and for your husband for suggesting these websites, particularly of Jews who oppose Zionist Israel in its persecution of the Palestinian people. However, we would like to warn our readers that many websites, including the above-mentioned ones call for donations or advertise selling materials. If anyone wants to make donations to Palestinian organizations, there is a list of them in the electronic intifada website: www.Electronicintifada.net
From: Mammon Petra, USA (5/7/02)
There are two great stations one on radio on kpfa 94.1fm radio for Berkeley which is a real radio resistance (check wave on www.kpfa.org) and also worldlink tv on dishnet or direct tv (check www.wroldlinktv.com) also the free speech tv on dish. I think American people need to know what is going on rather by what the the Israel prone media are offering to them.
Also please see the boycott list of Israeli products and also the list of companies supporting Israel which are being boycotted.
Thank you for letting me present the list of companies having a track record for supporting the apartheid state of israel. People of conscience will know what they are supposed to do with their products. Also I would like to encourage people to vote for worthy representatives in Congress check for example, www.aaisua.org. Here is the list: Coca cola, Kitkat, Wonderbra, Ambi Pur, Savex, Gossard, Lovable, Playtex, Malson Cafe, Pilao, Bali, Champion, PickNick, Hans, DIM, Nurdie, Kiwi, Superior, Kimberley Clark, Estee Lander, Nestle, Sara Lee, L'Oreal, Johson and Johnson(the baby product), River Island, Selfridges and Co., DISNEY, Revlon, Vittel, Dnnone, Libby's, Buitori, RedKen, Perrier, Maggi(the soup), Kleenex, Just my size, La Roche Posay, Granier, Bannana Republic, Marks and Spencer, Maybelline,Shieddies, Birthem, Carrefour, Ralph Lauren, Origins, Clinique, Prescriptives, Tommy Hilfigher, GAP, Victoria' Secret.
Please check this website to find the logo of the supporters of Israel: http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-brands.html The list is long but not exhaustive. Those are only few that we can really trace. It's up to good people to decide. Editor: Thanks for the list Mammon. In fact, the South African apartheid regime collapsed as a result of universal boycott of its economy. Good people everywhere in the world, particularly in the US can make a difference in forcing the Zionist regime to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people. This can be achieved by:
1. Boycotting Israeli products. 2. Boycotting products of companies doing business with Israel. 3. Divestment (stopping investment of retirement funds, for example) in Israel. 4. Voting to politicians who do not support Israeli aggression and Israeli occupation.
From: Sr Iram N Khan (May 6, 2002)
I would be grateful if you could inform me of how I could subscribe to Al Jazeerah Press releases or email news updates. Editor: Aljazeerah information Center still does not have this service.
From: the Editor
If you can replace your accusations and attacks on the Palestinian people by a constructive dialogue or questions, we can try to answer them. Readers can respond and we can have a fruitful discussion. Our objective here is a peaceful and polite dialogue. We have enough violence already.
One way for you to understand Palestinians is to just think as a Palestinian. You are in your own homeland that you have inherited from your ancestors for thousands of years. Then, illegal immigrants come from other countries and take your property, land, village, or town from you, and they expect you to leave. How do you feel? What would you do? Anyway, in 1993, Palestinians have accepted to recognize Israel in its 1967 borders, but Israelis are unwilling so far to accept Palestinians. They have not withdrawn. Settlements have continued to grow in the occupied territories on confiscated Palestinian lands. Negotiations have continued since 1991 without achieving the Palestinian state, which was supposed to be declared in 1999. How can the discussion move on, in a constructive way?
From: Mariam Kader (May 5, 2002)
Subject: Al-Jazeerah in English
I'm very happy that you opened an English Language website. My husband is addicted to your news and as my Arabic is not always good enough to follow the pace set by your anchors I am often reduced to sitting next to him uttering a constant barrage of "what is he saying...what was the response to that question...what does that word mean." This is the price of being an Arab American unfortunately. I do have a request however. Could you include translations of editorials from Al Hayat and Al Ahram on your website? So many of the major issues and ideas floating around began with editorials in these newspapers that those of us whose Arabic is less than fluent find ourselves several steps behind the current dialogue. I believe that including these translations would be a major asset to the website.
Editor: Your suggestion concerning the summary translation of editorials from Arabic newspapers will be well taken.
From: Doug Madsen (May 4, 2002)
Subject: Need for in-depth historical analysis of Arab-Israeli conflict
Would it be possible to provide an in-depth historical analysis of how the conflict came into being? Many of us here in the US do not fully understand the origins of how this whole mess got started. It is difficult to find a detailed, objective perspective. From my limited knowledge of the conflict, it appears that this is the product of 19th and 20th century policy-making??
Editor: Read Dr. El-Najjar's articles, columns, and editorials, particularly his article, "American foreign policy in the Middle East, designed ..." (All are here in aljazeerah.info). A quick answer: Yes. The conflict started in 1897, when the World Zionist Organization was established for the sole purpose of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine, on the expense of the Palestinian people. Then, Zionists allied themselves with Britain, which helped them achieve their goal, as it was the colonial European power that occupied Palestine between 1917 and 1948. Then, Zionists turned to the U.S. for support to Israel. Israel has become steadily aggressive against Arabs generally, and Palestinians in particular, because of the huge financial and military aid it receives from the US. (See the front page, right column for details).
From: HUSNA (May 3, 2002)
Subject: Aljazeerah.tv in English
Salaam Alekum, I have sent you several emails regarding info. on your plans to broadcast programes with English subtitles, especially interviews of high profile politicians. But haven't had any feed back from you guys at Aljazeera. Please take my request into consideration because at moment only Arabic speaking Muslims are able to become your regular viewers, and a very high percentage of Muslims or non-Muslims who are interested in world affairs from a different perspective are being left out and ignored. I am certain that you are aware of the western news channels strategies on what is broadcasted on air for viewers of the world and how easily people can be influenced by these tactics. There used to be a time when you could trust these channels to provide a fair or true coverage of world affairs but since 11/09 I think you will agree with with me, a divide has occurred between the west and Muslims. I feel since the attacks on WTC the west has adopted a policy to turn a blind eye towards any crisis that involves Muslims. I believe it would be in Aljazeera's interest to provide programs with subtitles to attract a bigger audience. I hope you will take my request into consideration and hope to hear from you soon. thanks,
Editor: We agree with you about the importance of broadcasting Arab and Islamic news in English. We hope to achieve that goal but it won't be soon. We'd like to attract your attention to the fact that this is aljazeerh.info, not aljazeera tv.
From: Sohail 'Mazdak', April 30,2002
Subject: The Massacre of Muslims Jenin, Bosnia, Chechnya, Gujarat (India) - why are Muslims the victims of genocide in today's world ? These are the four genocides that have occurred within the last few years. Every Muslim living anywhere in the world - whether in the 'Jazeerah', in Asia or in the west - must understand and appreciate that if we do not respond appropriately, each one of us incurs the risk of being the victim of the next genocide. If this sounds alarmist, then it is justly so - because if four genocides are not a cause for alarm then what else is? To be sure, in each of these cases, it is fascism in action. Fascism is of course best known as the phenomenon that led to the degradation, torture and systematic extermination of Jews by Nazis. All the liberal and left movements, governments and peoples could not prevent that. Looking back then, who could have prevented Jews from being killed ? None but the Jews themselves, if they had acted at the right time. So if we want to learn our lessons from history, let us learn them while we still can. We, the Muslims of the world, must resolve to unite and fight against fascism wherever it occurs. Al-Jazeerah is a great beginning in this direction. As we know, even at this time, Muslims are being killed in Gujarat in India. I implore you to give sufficient coverage to this massacre that has already taken 2000 lives as per a BBC report. Muslims are terrorized to go about their daily lives even when the violence is over. There is news that some of them are converting to Buddhism to escape from being killed. The state government of Gujarat is of course directly or directly ensuring that this ethnic cleansing takes place successfully. State terrorism and the goons of the Sangh Parivar - BJP,RSS, Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal - are responsible for these atrocities. India today is threatened by the rise of these fascist forces and every Muslim in India feels insecure and will remain so till BJP remains the ruling party and the Sangh Parivar organizations remain active.
Editor: Readers like yourself can report on such issues that are rarely reported by established media.
From: duser, May 2, 2002
Subject: The Palestinian Issue
As a Palestinian who have been living in the United States of America for over 25 years, I can not begin to tell you of the terror we are facing here. If you ever see a movie called "The Never Ending Story", that reminds me of Palestine and the people of Palestine. We are heart broken over what is going on over there and watching and seeing all these people die for no particular reason what so ever. The United States of America loves Israel because its supporters here control everything, businesses, banks, you name it. I say to Mr. Bush since you have 50 states, you can empty one out and give it to Israel, like Alaska will do. I do not understand how any of them sleeps at night knowing innocent people are being killed over What??? Sharon must be prosecuted over this. The bottom line here is that what ever Israel wants Israel will get. Day and night I watch the news from Local channels to CNN to Aljazeerah and so on. I listen and watch those so called senators and congressmen in this country. I have never in my life witnessed such ignorance and stupidity on people and they are supposedly "educated people". I am a high school teacher. Those so called senators and congressmen are the most prejudiced people and the ignorance they show on TV is unbelievable. Most of them are in it for the money. If the United States of America wants to stop terrorism, they need to start here in the United States. People here get killed, robbed , shot, beaten, some neighborhoods you can not sit on the porch of your house because some passer bys may shoot you and kill you for no apparent reason. Like my students say "They just felt like killing someone today". If this is not terrorism then I do not know what it is. We are going to make sure Bush will not win the next election. When he called Sahron a man of peace, my thought was for him to divorce his wife and marry Sharon and live happily ever after with him since he is the Peaceful Man. Finally I just wanted to say that we are all strong believers in God Allmighty. In Jesus Christ Our Lord and In all the Prophets that God had sent on to this earth. One day they are all going to face their Creater and I hope they have a good answer to give him. Thank you
From: James Huston, Rushville, Indiana (USA). April, 29, 2002
Editor: The Palestinians will be restrained when they get their rights according to the UN related resolutions. The most important factor is ending the Israeli military occupation of Palestine. This will allow the establishment of the Palestinian state that will retrain its citizens.
Editor: Yes, there will be aljazeerah.tv, in English, shortly.
From: K.C. Aw, April 26, 2002
I am from Malaysia and I am a non-Muslim and after seeing all those pictures, it makes me feel that there is in no humanities in the Israeli government. No human with the correct sense of humanity will commit such atrocities. The Jews talk about the Holocaust during the second world war by the Nazi Germany. They tell the world how there were tortured and mistreated and now those Jews leaders are committing the same crime towards the Palestinian as what the Nazi had done upon them. We in the other part of this modern world will give the Palestinians all the support and we will exert more pressure to the world leaders to start listening to the Palestinian problems. My sincere sympathy to the Palestinians. Regards. Editor: The Palestinian people, as well as oppressed groups everywhere, need help from the silent majority all over the world.
From: dodgy dude, April 22, 2002.
Can you confirm the number of deaths in Jenin? I have heard other reports that the numbers are lower.
Editor: We have published the official Palestinian figure (by Saeb Erikat). Until the UN fact-finding committee arrives at Jenin refugee camp and issues its estimates, the Palestinian figure (about 500 victims) will be the only available one.
From: Fawaz, April 2002
I'm very much impressed with http://www.aljazeerah.info website. You show our struggle! But why do you show us always victims--why don't you include pictures of actions of our Martyrs and heroes? I want to see the faces of our Martyrs? Editor: Thanks Fawaz. It is part of our mission to show the American people how Israelis use the $4 billion in annual US aid. Americans have the right to know about the Israeli atrocities that are usually shielded by the pro-Israel media.
Subject: Comments on Editorial, "Bush Bends,' in Wall Street Journal:
Date: Fri, April 5, 2002
Dear Editors:
There are so many false assumptions, fuzzy logic, and outright lies and distortions in this editorial I hardly know where to start. The number one problem in the Middle East is the 35-year brutal Israeli occupation of Palestine. Any 'problems' with Iraq pale into insignificance in relation to that glaring, overwhelming fact that you conveniently refuse to recognize. Did the Israeli Embassy in Washington or some Likud-Party functionary write this insulting editorial? I know you people pride yourselves on your 'conservatism.' Then, read the serious, unbiased columns of: Patrick Buchanan, Georgie Anne Geyer, and Robert Novak. All you are doing is reflecting the extremist views of Republica, 'Israel-firsters' war hawks like Wolfowitz, Feith, Perle, and Kristol. There is no originality or creative thinking at all coming from this group or from your editorial. Even Peggy Noonan, hardly a beacon of light on this subject, disagrees. You also refuse to acknowledge: 1. Internal debate in Israel on these destructive Likudist policies 2. The FACT that Ariel Sharon has opposed EVERY PEACE AGREEMENT AND TREATY WITH AN ARAB STATE THROUGHOUT HIS AGGRESSIVE, BELLIGERENT CAREER, including Camp David with Egypt an even the step-by=step Kissingerian diplomacy of the l970's. His entire career has been devoted to Israeli expansionism and colonization of others' lands--this is what is known as Imperialism, if you've forgotten. Finally, the final statement of this pernicious editorial, "A democratic, pro-Western Iraq (of course, installed by the U.S. military whether or not the Iraqi people want it) will do more for peace in Palestine than 100 trips by Colin Powell', is itself empty-headed, ludicrous, and insults every Arab on the face of the earth. Sincerely,
Thomas W. Mullen, Ph.D. Department of Political Science Dalton State College
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 3:57 PM
From: Andrew Stevenson
I think the website is a great contribution to the struggle for an unoccupied Palestine and would like to congratulate you on your valiant effort. It is of superior nature. I have mentioned the site to many of my friends. You should have a page of links so viewers can go to other similar web pages. In particular, I thought it would be great if you can find Jewish coalitions dedicated to the fight for a free and independent Palestine. One that I know of is http://www.jppi.org/links.html. This site has an abundance of other links. I think you could just cut and paste them on a page on your site (I don't know for sure). Anyway, I thought I would say keep up the good work. l.
peace, andrew stevenson